Cowessess First Nation Receives Mineral Rights in Treaty Land Entitlement Transfer

Released on April 5, 2023

Under the Cowessess Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) Settlement Agreement, nearly 60 hectares (approximately 147 acres) of Crown mineral rights will be transferred to Cowessess First Nation upon the surface attaining reserve status. This is part of the province's continued commitment to the TLE settlement agreements. 

"Reconciliation is demonstrated through TLE settlement agreements, which support First Nation land acquisition for new reserve lands," Minister Responsible for First Nations, Métis Relations and Northern Affairs Don McMorris said. "The TLE process exists in order to ensure that the federal and provincial governments are meeting our Treaty obligations and working with First Nation communities as they grow and succeed."

The Ministry of Government Relations coordinates and manages the provincial implementation of the TLE agreements between Canada, Saskatchewan and 36 First Nations. Most recent were three TLE agreements finalized with Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, Mistawasis Nêhiyawak and Zagimē Anishinabēk in 2022. Two additional First Nations are currently in negotiations for a TLE agreement with the province at this time.

The TLE Agreements provide First Nations with entitlement monies to purchase land anywhere in the province on a "willing buyer-willing seller" basis and add it to their reserves. Under the terms of the TLE Agreement, all undisposed provincial Crown minerals underlying lands purchased by the First Nation are to be transferred to the Government of Canada for purposes of reserve creation at no cost.

With the acquisition of new reserve lands, successful TLE agreements support community growth and traditional land use as well as partnerships between First Nations, businesses and neighbouring communities, advance opportunities for business development in urban centres, and create economic development and employment opportunities in the mining, oil and gas, business and agriculture sectors. 

Since 1992, the provincial and federal governments have committed $687 million for TLE settlements in Saskatchewan. To date, approximately 885,500 acres have been transferred, with 1.48 million acres outstanding. Of the amount transferred to reserve, more than 630,400 acres of undisposed Crown minerals were transferred at no cost.

Saskatchewan has transferred more acres to reserve status under our TLE agreements than any other province in Canada.

To learn more about TLE, please visit Saskatchewan.ca.

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